(Laval) The investigation into the bus that sped into a daycare center in Sainte-Rose in February has still not been completed. The expertise on the bus is not over, lawyers for both parties announced on Tuesday at the Laval courthouse.
The case of Pierre Ny Saint-Amand, the driver who faces nine charges, including first degree murder of two children, has been postponed to August 22. The accused was not present at the courthouse or by videoconference. His lawyer, Mr.e Julien Lespérance Hudon, confirmed that his client is still hospitalized at the Philippe-Pinel Institute.
“It’s fine,” he said of Pierre Ny St-Amand, with whom he communicates in person or by phone. “I have no problem communicating with him. […] Pinel, this is the right place where he should be. It is also his desire to be there, ”explained the defense lawyer as he left the courtroom.
The lawyer explained that he is still waiting for evidence to prepare his case. “For the moment, what is complicated is the disclosure at the level of evidence. There are certain more technical expertise to be done in relation to the bus, among other things,” said Mr.e Hope Hudon.
The Crown prosecutor, Mr.e Karine Dalphond, underlined that the investigation is particularly “long to do”. “We have to analyze all the elements found at the crime scene. Part of it relates to expertise on the bus, ”she confirmed to the media.
Pierre Ny St-Amand, 51, underwent a psychiatric evaluation following the events of February 8. That morning, the man ran into a daycare center with the Société de transport de Laval bus he was driving, killing two children aged 4 and 5, and injuring six others.
The man stripped screaming after the collision. Relatives and neighbors had to restrain him while waiting for the police to arrive. Some said the driver looked “hysterical”.
Pierre Ny St-Amand was going to get married a month later. He faces nine counts, including first degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault on two children, and assault causing bodily harm on four children.
The conclusions of the psychiatric report are still under seal. The report aims to determine whether the accused can be held criminally responsible for the acts of which he is accused.